From the Mayor - 23 November 2022

All is in readiness for Mosman’s inaugural walk to raise awareness of the unacceptable level of family and domestic violence in Australia. Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or wealth. I urge residents to join me at Rawson Oval 10am this Friday, 25 November, as we walk together in solidarity to Headland Park. Please visit events.mosman.nsw.gov.au to register to attend.

Mosman is also getting ready for Christmas 2022 and there has certainly been some public discussion and a lot of misinformation about the Christmas nativity scene and blessing of the crib. Local churches, as members of the Inter Church Council, collectively own the nativity scene, which until 2018 had been managed by Council. Following discussions with St Clement’s, I’m very pleased to confirm that the nativity scene and associated blessing will now take place as part of Balmoral Carols on Saturday, 17 December. This terrific outcome ensures the ceremony will be seen in a better setting by a much larger audience and I look forward to seeing it when I attend the carols.

This year our Christmas tree gift appeal will be supporting the Salvos so they can distribute much needed gifts to disadvantaged families in Northern Sydney and the Northern Beaches. Council and the Mosman Chamber of Commerce encourage our hard-working local businesses to send in their RAPT entries showcasing their festive and creative shopfront decorations. Another fantastic Chamber of Commerce initiative is the relaunching of the ‘Drop Your Dollars’ campaign in the lead up to Christmas. Supported by Mosman Council, lucky local shoppers and local businesses are in the running until 31 December for $500 in prize money. Our village will soon welcome the return of the very popular ‘flower towers’ and be decorated with Christmas banners and bunting and the popular Christmas Night Market will be held on Thursday 8 December.

As I and fellow Councillors prepare to present end of year Mosman Council Citizenship awards to our well deserving young school students, I recall with absolute pleasure officially witnessing 368 Mosman residents take their pledge of commitment to become Australian citizens at seven ceremonies over the past 12 months.  

I thank residents for your ongoing support and engagement this year. You all make Mosman the special place that it is. I also thank my fellow Councillors, our dedicated Council staff and all our wonderful community volunteers, including our consultative committee members, for their positive energy and significant contribution.

Finally, I wish everyone a safe and happy festive and holiday season.